Itinerary & programme

1. 01

   Day 1: Dax to Arjuzanx (53 km, 150 m ascent)

   You ride across part of the Haute Lande on small country roads and tracks through the pines, before reaching the Arjuzanx nature reserve and its lake — a former open-cast mine turned into a paradise for birds.

   Things to do:

   • Watch migrating birds from the hides across the site

   • Swim in the clear waters of the Arjuzanx lake at the end of the day

   • Take a sensory walk on the waymarked trails around the reserve

   • Relax by the water for a first sunset in the forest

2. 02

   Day 2: Arjuzanx to the Marquèze open-air museum (30 km, 50 m ascent)

   A stage devoted to culture and tradition. Ride to Sabres and board the historic train to Marquèze. Discover the life of 19th-century Landes shepherds in a preserved hamlet that can only be reached by rail.

   Things to do:

   • Ride the period train from Sabres station to the open-air museum

   • Watch demonstrations of old crafts: baking, spinning, shearing

   • Meet the Landes sheep and the local breed of cattle

   • Discover the traditional architecture of Landes houses

3. 03

   Day 3: Sabres to Mimizan (56 km, 110 m ascent)

   Ride through the heart of the pine forest, a true green ocean, to reach the Atlantic at last. The air fills with salt as you approach Mimizan-Plage, nicknamed the "Pearl of the Côte d'Argent" for the beauty of its beaches.

   Things to do:

   • Ride forest trails scented with pine resin

   • Visit the Mimizan bell tower porch, a UNESCO World Heritage site

   • Take a flower-lined walk beside the Mimizan-Aureilhan lake

   • Arrive at the huge Remember beach for a first view of the ocean

4. 04

   Day 4: Mimizan to Léon (43 km, 150 m ascent)

   Follow the famous Vélodyssée! This section gives you perfect cycle paths, well away from the cars. You reach the Léon lake, a natural jewel surrounded by lush vegetation and the gateway to the Courant d'Huchet reserve.

   Things to do:

   • Ride down the Vélodyssée, between dunes, pines and ferns

   • Picnic along the Contis stream

   • Climb the Contis lighthouse for a rare view over the forest

   • Paddle down the river La Palue by canoe to the Léon lake

   • Swim and have dinner at sunset on the Léon lake.

5. 05

   Day 5: Léon to Hossegor (39 km, 120 m ascent)

   The route continues south, following the coastal lagoons and well-known surf spots. You arrive in Hossegor, famous for its distinctive Basque-Landes architecture and its sea lake, which moves with the tides.

   Things to do:

   • Take a traditional boat trip on the Courant d'Huchet (the Landes Amazon)

   • Go shopping at the famous surf brand outlets

   • Swim and taste oysters at the Hossegor lake

   • Have dinner at sunset by the lake

6. 06

   Day 6: A day in Hossegor & Capbreton

   Enjoy a day without luggage to explore the two neighbouring seaside towns. Between the fishing port of Capbreton and the stylish shops of Hossegor, this stage is ideal for soaking up the local way of life.

   Things to do:

   • Walk the Estacade de Capbreton, the historic pier facing the open sea

   • Cycle around the Hossegor sea lake (6 km of dedicated path)

   • Visit the centre of Hossegor

   • Picnic and watch the sunset on Santocha beach

7. 07

   Day 7: Hossegor to Dax (43 km, 180 m ascent)

   The last stage of your loop, back to where you started. You leave the bustle of the coast for the calm of the Landes countryside and the Barthes de l'Adour, a wild landscape that carries you back to the Fontaine Chaude.

   Things to do:

   • Relax at the foot of the Fontaine Chaude hot spring in Dax

   • Visit the Notre-Dame cathedral or the Borda museum

   • Stop for a treat and taste a madeleine de Dax

   • End the day with a spa treatment